($850) Cost to ship a car from Lafayette, LA to Sioux Falls, SD
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,128 miles from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, generally falls between $850 and $1,359. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sioux Falls to Lafayette car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Lafayette to Sioux Falls car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Lafayette to Sioux Falls:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Lafayette
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Lafayette, LA:
- Ultimate Auto Transport: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- New World Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Fast Motion Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from LA to SD
If you’re planning a move from Lafayette to Sioux Falls, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Lafayette to Sioux Falls, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,128-mile drive from Lafayette to Sioux Falls into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Louisiana to South Dakota is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Lafayette to Sioux Falls. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Sioux Falls—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Lafayette to Sioux Falls car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Lafayette to Sioux Falls, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Lafayette to Sioux Falls, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Lafayette tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Sioux Falls, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Lafayette. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Sioux Falls will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,128 miles from Lafayette to Sioux Falls will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Louisiana.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Lafayette and Sioux Falls can impact car shipping prices.
It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
August, June and September are the most pleasant months in Sioux Falls, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Lafayette to Sioux Falls during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,128 miles between Lafayette and Sioux Falls, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Lafayette to Sioux Falls is two to eight days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Lafayette and Sioux Falls vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
- Sioux Falls:
Car insurance requirements
- Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
- Sioux Falls: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
Vehicle inspections
- Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
- Sioux Falls: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
Driver’s license
- Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
- Sioux Falls: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Lafayette to Sioux Falls?
The cost to ship a car from Lafayette, LA to Sioux Falls, SD varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Lafayette to Sioux Falls will range from $850 to $1,359.
How long will it take to ship my car from Lafayette to Sioux Falls?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,128 miles from Lafayette to Sioux Falls. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lafayette to Sioux Falls?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lafayette to Sioux Falls. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Lafayette to Sioux Falls?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lafayette to Sioux Falls than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,128-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
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